TRAINING & RECOGNITION

Why gamble with your future? Get educated!

Experienced workers are the core of any business and industry, with proper education and skill vital to the development of a solid business and thriving industry. Considerable levy funds have been invested into the development of training programs and finding the gaps in skills that need to be nurtured and encouraged.

All business and industries need skilled labour to survive. Education and skill development is vital to the development of strong, robust businesses and a competitive, thriving industry. The industry has invested considerable sums of levy funds into the development of industry specific training programs and research into what are the gaps in training that levy payers see as critical for business development.

Those who do not invest in their skill development are gambling with their future. One day you are ahead; the next day, barely keeping up.

Staff and business owners in the nursery and garden industry have access to training and skill development activities via multiple networks including:

State Association workshop activities and field days

TAFE network and other government funded institutes

Private training providers

Universities

Government departments, such as the Department of Primary Industries

Specialist groups

In-house training (i.e. skill development performed within businesses and organisations)

The nursery and garden industry offers recognition to those individuals via the Certified Nursery Professional (CNP) recognition scheme.

CERTIFIED NURSERY PROFESSIONAL

The Certified Nursery Professional (CNP) program is the industry's professional recognition scheme for individuals. CNP members are acknowledged for their skill and expertise within the nursery and garden industry.

This program is highly valuable as most businesses consider skilled and knowledgeable staff to be their most valuable asset.

Provides the public with assurance that you have the knowledge and skills to provide superior services

Encourages a highly skilled industry by ensuring it remains competitive and has the ability to adapt accordingly

Offers you valuable networking opportunities and access to ongoing professional development activities

CRITERIA FOR RECOGNITION

There are two sectors of CNP, both of equal standing. The Professional level indicates a broad understanding of horticultural practice, such as a Nursery Person, while the Specialist level indicates a specialisation in a particular area of the industry such as Propagator or a planting media specialist.

To be eligible for CNP recognition status, you must meet the following criteria:

Professional

To obtain Professional Recognition Status, you must have a minimum of either:

A Certificate III Horticulture and 5 years’ experience; or

10 years or more experience in the nursery and garden industry (no formal qualification required)

Specialist

To obtain Specialist Recognition Status, you must have a minimum of either:

A relevant qualification at Diploma level or higher AND 10 years experience; or

15 years or more experience in the nursery and garden industry (no formal qualification required